Juvenile (4–10 inches)
Feed 2–3 times per day. Small portions: 5–10 small crickets, a half-thumb of frozen krill, or 1 small earthworm per feeding.
Variety is critical at this stage. Train juveniles on multiple foods to prevent picky-eater behavior in adulthood.
Sub-adult (10–18 inches)
Feed 1–2 times per day. Larger portions: 2–3 large crickets, a thumb of frozen prawn, 4–5 small floating pellets, or 1 large earthworm.
Growth slows naturally. Do not push food to maintain juvenile growth rate — this causes fatty liver.
Adult (18+ inches)
Feed every 2–3 days. Large portions but spaced out: 1 large prawn, 2 large pellets, or 1 small whole feeder shrimp.
Adult arowanas can fast for 1–2 weeks without harm. A weekly fast day improves digestion.
Best Foods
Hikari Massivore floating pellets — protein-rich, balanced staple.
Frozen krill (with shell) — color enhancement and fiber.
Live crickets and grasshoppers — natural prey, exercise stimulation.
Earthworms (chopped for juveniles, whole for adults) — high protein, easily digested.
Frozen prawns and silversides — variety and richness.
Foods to Avoid
Feeder goldfish and rosy reds: contain thiaminase that destroys vitamin B1, plus high parasite load.
Beef heart and mammalian organs: too fatty, cause fatty liver disease.
Bread, crackers, vegetables: arowanas cannot digest plant matter.
Live tropical fish (other than pre-soaked feeders): disease vectors.
Overfeeding Warning Signs
Sagging belly that doesn't flatten between meals: cut feeding by 50%.
Floating after meals (gas): switch to sinking pellets and reduce portions.
White stringy poop: bacterial bloom from overfeeding, fast for 3 days.
Refusing food: normal occasionally, alarming if over 5 days.